Merdeka Award

Merdeka Award Malaysia's premier award for excellence founded by PETRONAS and Shell One Award is made for each of the five categories above.

The Merdeka Award was founded on August 27, 2007, in conjunction with the celebration of Malaysia’s 50th anniversary of its independence, to recognise and reward Malaysians and non-Malaysians who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the nation and the people of Malaysia in their respective fields. The Merdeka Award aims to promote thought leadership and innovation, foster a culture of excellence and encourage a worldview, thereby enhancing Malaysia’s standing as a dynamic, competitive 21st century global player in all key sectors from science and technology to the arts. The Award is so named to capture and commemorate the “Spirit of Merdeka” as demonstrated by the nation’s forefathers, which is about foresight, discipline, perseverance and self-sacrifice. It is where the true meaning of independence lies in the liberation of the mind and spirit – factors that foster the realisation of human potential and the pursuit of excellence. Each year, the annual Merdeka Award is conferred on individuals and/or organizations whose excellent work and achievements have made an outstanding impact on the nation and its people in the following categories, namely Education & Community; Environment; Health, Science and Technology; Outstanding Scholastic Achievement; and Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia. The Award categories reflect focus areas that are regarded as instrumental to the overall growth and development of a nation. In the event that in a given year, two individuals and/or organizations are deemed to be equally deserving of recognition, the Award will be shared. The Merdeka Award Recipient receives the Merdeka Award Trophy, the Merdeka Award Work of Art, a Certificate of Recognition and a cash award. The founding members -- PETRONAS and Shell -- also hope that in commemorating this pioneering spirit, the Award will help strengthen the intellectual foundation and elements of civil society that will drive a nation’s economic and social progress. In addition to the presentation of awards, the Merdeka Award Trust also runs two signature programmes -- the Merdeka Award Roundtables, a series of TV talk shows designed to inspire debate and discussion on issues of interest to Malaysians, and the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, a short-term grant for young Malaysians looking to build on their body of work and experience in areas of long-term benefit to the country. More information on the Merdeka Award at www.merdekaaward.my

Almost invisible in their complexity, infectious diseases quietly threaten lives — until someone chooses to fight back. ...
20/12/2025

Almost invisible in their complexity, infectious diseases quietly threaten lives — until someone chooses to fight back. 🦠

In Malaysia over the past few decades, a silent revolution has been underway: from late diagnoses, rising infections, and deep stigmas — to breakthroughs in prevention, treatment and health policy. Behind the scenes, researchers asked tough questions: Who is being left behind? What makes disease spread? How can science protect not just individuals, but communities?

They established multidisciplinary teams, built networks across nations, and turned epidemiological data into action. They created institutions dedicated to understanding HIV/AIDS, emerging viruses and the social forces that leave people vulnerable.
And because of that work, new infections dropped, public health responses improved, and Malaysia became a part of the global conversation on infectious disease control.

At the heart of that transformation is our 2022 Merdeka Award laureate — Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman — who has spent over 30 years leading the fight, shaping policy, building research centres and making sure no one is left behind. Read more about her story at: https://www.merdekaaward.my/past-recipients/for-the-awards/2022/dato-professor-dr-adeeba-kamarulzaman

Know someone who’s changing lives, safeguarding health and building Malaysia’s future?
Nominate them today at www.merdekaaward.my

This year, five outstanding Malaysians have been selected from more than 200 applicants for the Merdeka Award Grant for ...
18/12/2025

This year, five outstanding Malaysians have been selected from more than 200 applicants for the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment. Their pioneering work spans plant microbiomes, dementia care, wound healing, DNA-guided heart medication, and other innovations in medical education.

Here’s a snippet of just some full page media coverage in Malaysia’s mainstream media on the 2025 recipients: Calvin Shee Yin Ming, Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, Keisheni Ganeson, Nur Hafizah Annezah Utuh and Dr. Rasyidah Rehir.

We look forward to witnessing the impact and inspiration this cohort will bring for a better future.

Read their articles here:

https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/bots/2025/09/1270599/tech-young-researchers-harness-biodiversity-potential?source=widget #

https://thesun-ipaper.cld.bz/20250902/22/

https://www.nama.com.my/PRINT_NEWS/2025/09/06/20250906_N60_STR_VIE_15_FC_6900122025090601010101015_ialFG5kBzos_1SExZ8od.JPG

https://www.bharian.com.my/amp/hujung-minggu/santai/2025/10/1454724/sukar-dapat-mayat-untuk-doktor-belajar

For more stories about our past grantees, visit: https://padlet.com/merdekaaward/merdeka-award-grant-10th-edition-9946g4uemgjsa4u1

The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is one of the world’s leading tropical forestry research centres — and one...
16/12/2025

The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is one of the world’s leading tropical forestry research centres — and one of Malaysia’s most important guardians of nature.

What many see as a peaceful green retreat in Kepong is actually a “living laboratory,” where scientists study rainforest ecosystems, restore degraded land, and develop innovations that support sustainable industries.

One of the most impactful breakthroughs was the advancement of rubberwood — once dismissed as a waste by-product — into a high-quality, globally recognised timber used in furniture and manufacturing. This single innovation helped reduce pressure on native forests while creating a new economic stream for Malaysia.

FRIM also plays a key role in conservation, proving that even land once heavily damaged can be revived into a thriving forest that supports research, education, and community well-being.

Read more about how our 2016 Merdeka Award recipient, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor’s bold vision turned a former logging site into a premier research forest at: https://www.merdekaaward.my/past-recipients/for-the-awards/2016/tan-sri-dato-seri-dr-salleh-mohd-nor

Know someone who’s protecting our planet and driving Malaysia’s sustainable future?
Nominate them today at www.merdekaaward.my

14/12/2025

In this honest exchange from our Merdeka Award Borneo Talk Series, Alena Murang, Datin Rosemarie Wong, and Marcos Kueh discuss the harder side of cultural advocacy — the misconceptions, the barriers, and the emotional toll of raising awareness.

A conversation that pushes us to rethink how we value and preserve our heritage.

Merdeka Award

14/12/2025

In this intimate conversation, Alena Murang, Datin Rosemarie Wong, and Marcos Kueh explore how the arts breathe life into cultural heritage. From stories that bridge generations, to insights that deepen our understanding of each other, to the creation of a shared identity. Their stories reveal how cultural heritage is not just a legacy — it’s a living heartbeat we protect, honour, and pass on.

A celebration of who we are, and the threads that connect us all.

Merdeka Award

11/12/2025

💀 11,000 years underground.
One discovery changed Malaysian history forever.

In 1991, Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr Siti Zuraina binti Abdul Majid, FASc unearthed Perak Man — the oldest and most complete human skeleton in Southeast Asia.

Her groundbreaking work didn’t just rewrite history… it also paved the way for the Lenggong Valley to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. 🌍✨

A pioneer. A guardian of heritage. That is Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr Siti Zuraina.

Know someone who’s changing lives and building the nation?
Nominate them today for the Merdeka Award at www.merdekaaward.my

Three young Malaysians. Three powerful stories. One shared mission: building a better future for our nation. 🇲🇾✨We’re pr...
10/12/2025

Three young Malaysians. Three powerful stories. One shared mission: building a better future for our nation. 🇲🇾✨

We’re proud to see three Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment recipients featured in The Star for their extraordinary contributions to science, conservation and sustainability:

🐅 Dr Wan Nor Fitri Wan Jaafar
A wildlife reproduction scientist working on assisted reproductive technologies to help safeguard Malaysia’s most endangered species — including the Malayan tiger.
Read his story:
🔗 https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/people/2025/11/14/how-this-malaysian-researcher-is-preventing-extinction-one-tiger-at-a-time

🧬 Chrishen R. Gomez
A conservation geneticist using DNA to understand how deforestation and land-use change impact wildlife populations — guiding smarter decisions for biodiversity protection.
Read his story:
🔗 https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/people/2025/11/14/malaysian-wildlife-biologist-uses-dna-to-trace-how-land-use-changes---like-deforestation---affect-animal-populations

🌱 Prof Dr Ong Wee Jun
A clean-energy innovator transforming natural resources — and even waste — into sustainable fuels through advanced photocatalysis and “artificial-leaf” technology.
Read his story:
🔗 https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/people/2025/11/14/award-winning-malaysian-scientist-turns-natural-resources-and-waste-into-energy

These are the young minds shaping Malaysia’s scientific future — each driving discovery, impact and nation-building in their own way.

Radiation is all around us — but most of us don’t even notice it. ⚡From the sunlight that warms your morning, to your ph...
08/12/2025

Radiation is all around us — but most of us don’t even notice it. ⚡

From the sunlight that warms your morning, to your phone, TV, and even the X-ray at your last clinic visit — radiation is part of our everyday lives.

That’s why research in medical physics matters. By understanding how radiation behaves and how it affects the human body, scientists make sure it’s used safely — whether in hospitals, labs, or even the devices we use at home.

And through that same research, they’ve helped make medical scans — like mammograms — safer and more effective in detecting diseases early.

It’s the invisible science that keeps us safe, every single day. 💡

Read more about how our 2020 Merdeka Award Laureate, Emeritus Professor Dr. Ng Wan Hoong uses the study of radiation to improve how we detect and understand breast cancer through medical imaging: https://www.merdekaaward.my/past-recipients/for-the-awards/2020/emeritus-professor-dr-ng-kwan-hoong

Know someone who’s changing lives and building the nation?
Nominate them today for the Merdeka Award at www.merdekaaward.my

The Merdeka Award Trust proudly congratulates our Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment recipient, Prof Dr On...
06/12/2025

The Merdeka Award Trust proudly congratulates our Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment recipient, Prof Dr Ong Wee Jun, on being honoured with the National Young Scientist Award (ASMN) 2025 in the Engineering category.

Prof Ong’s groundbreaking research is shaping the future of clean energy. His work focuses on transforming natural resources — and even everyday waste — into sustainable fuels through advanced photocatalysis and “artificial-leaf” technology. By converting sunlight, seawater, CO₂ and plastic waste into valuable energy sources like hydrogen and methanol, his innovations are redefining how we think about renewable energy and waste-to-wealth solutions.

As Head of CONNECT (Centre of Excellence for NaNo Energy & Catalysis Technology) at Xiamen University Malaysia, Prof Ong continues to drive Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable technology and inspire the next generation of scientists.

We are proud to celebrate this milestone and the impact of his work on Malaysia and beyond. 🇲🇾✨

Read more about his work at: https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/people/2025/11/14/award-winning-malaysian-scientist-turns-natural-resources-and-waste-into-energy

The 2025 Merdeka Award Talk Series concluded its final session of the year with a meaningful return to Sabah, for our la...
05/12/2025

The 2025 Merdeka Award Talk Series concluded its final session of the year with a meaningful return to Sabah, for our last stop for the Merdeka AWard Borneo Talk Series.

Carrying the theme “Inspired by Ancestors, Driven by Dreams: You Are the Next Story,” the session explored how heritage becomes a compass for opportunity, creativity, and progress — especially through the unique lens of Sabah’s diverse cultural landscape.

We were privileged to hear powerful perspectives from our distinguished panel:
• Ekin Kee Charles – Film Director & Writer
• Nancy Jullok – Fashion Designer & Founder, P’LO Borneo Fashion Design
• Yee I-Lann – Contemporary Artist; Board Member, FINAS & Forever Sabah
• Kenji Chai – Graffiti Artist & Illustrator

Each speaker shared how their roots fuel their artistry, purpose, and commitment to shaping Borneo and Malaysia's cultural future. Guiding the conversation was the ever-inspiring Freda Liu, Broadcast Journalist and Host of The Shift Asia, who brought depth, clarity, and heart to the dialogue.

As we close this year’s Merdeka Award Talk Series, we are reminded of one powerful truth: Our stories — past, present, and future — continue to shape the nation we build together.

Thank you, Sabah, for an unforgettable finale.

See you all never year for the next Merdeka Award Talk Series and more exciting events!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Joy Jacqueline Pereira and Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Abu Bakar Suleiman, 20...
02/12/2025

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Joy Jacqueline Pereira and Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Abu Bakar Suleiman, 2024 Merdeka Award Laureates, and 2024, and Dr. Kong Xin Ying, recipient of the 2023 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment, being recognised in the 2025 Asian Scientist 100 — a list that celebrates Asia’s most outstanding contributors to science, research, and innovation. 👏

This recognition stands as a testament to Malaysia’s growing leadership in sustainable science — and to the Merdeka spirit of advancing knowledge for a better tomorrow. 🌏

Tahukah anda, kisah paling ikonik Malaysia sebenarnya bermula dari sebuah kampung kecil? 🌾Kampung Boy bukan sekadar komi...
01/12/2025

Tahukah anda, kisah paling ikonik Malaysia sebenarnya bermula dari sebuah kampung kecil? 🌾

Kampung Boy bukan sekadar komik — ia adalah cerminan kehidupan dan kenangan zaman kanak-kanak rakyat Malaysia. Ia membawa kita kembali ke detik membesar di kampung: memanjat pokok getah, mandi sungai, berlari di sawah, dan hidup dalam semangat kejiranan yang penuh tawa dan kasih.

Dengan lakaran hitam putih yang sederhana, kisah ini menghidupkan semula nilai yang kita kongsi — keluarga, persahabatan, dan rasa syukur dalam kehidupan yang bersahaja.

Diterjemah ke pelbagai bahasa dan disayangi di seluruh dunia, Kampung Boy bukan sekadar kisah tentang seorang budak — tetapi tentang jiwa Malaysia yang tulus, hangat, dan sentiasa dekat di hati. 🇲🇾✨

Ketahui lebih lanjut tentang pelukis komik ini dan penerima Anugerah Merdeka 2014 kami, Datuk Lat, di:
https://www.merdekaaward.my/past-recipients/for-the-awards/2014/datuk-mohd-nor-khalid-lat

Kenail seseorang yang sedang membawa perubahan dan membina masa depan negara?
Calonkan mereka hari ini untuk Anugerah Merdeka di www.merdekaaward.my

Address

The Merdeka Award Secretariat, Level 71, PETRONAS Tower 2, Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Kuala Lumpur
50888

Website

https://linktr.ee/merdekaaward

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